SEBASTIEN FAURE is praying Rangers skipper Carlos Bocanegra stays at Ibrox – to help him on and off the pitch at his new club.

The young French defender is Ally McCoist’s latest recruit and could make his debut in the SFL today against Berwick.

He revealed that Bocanegra, who had a spell with St Etienne before joining Gers, has been more than just a team-mate since he agreed on a switch to Glasgow.

Ex-Lyon kid Faure, who plans to learn English, praised Bocanegra for helping him with the language and would love to play alongside him in the heart of defence.

It remains to be seen whether the American will stay in the Scottish Third Division but Faure said: “Carlos has really helped me settle because he speaks a bit of French.

“Other than that I’ve pretty much been on my own in a hotel.

“I plan to take English lessons and it would be great if Carlos stayed. It would make it more interesting for me and help me to play beside him for Rangers.”

Faure had no hesitation in signing for the Ibrox outfit after a successful trial and revealed people in France are surprised to see the club in the bottom tier of Scottish football.

He got first-hand experience of Gers’ size during their Champions League clashes with Lyon four years ago – and now wants to play his part in taking the club back to the top.

Faure said: “I’ve always known Rangers as a legendary club from my time in France. When I was at Lyon, Rangers played against us and I’ve already been to the stadium twice for games. I’ve been really impressed by the club.

“I remember the Champions League games when Rangers won 3-0 in France but then Lyon won 3-0 in Glasgow.

“And I’ve been following what has happened to the club since the start of the summer when I found out they would be in the Third Division.

“French people are surprised about all the problems Rangers have encountered but they’re pleased I’m here. I’ve signed for a big club.”

Faure is keen to emulate some of his countrymen who have excelled in Scottish football.

He said: “I came here initially for a week but after three days the manager wanted to keep me.

“I knew right away this was a good club. I trained at Lyon with the likes of Karim Benzema, Sydney Govou and Juninho.

“But the players here are also at a good level. I’d like to follow other French players who have done well in Scotland, like Franck Sauzee, Jean-Claude Darcheville and Jeremy Clement.”